PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang asserted today that his party and Perikatan Nasional (PN) don’t engage in a “shopping culture” to attract MPs, as they believe in democratic principles. This was in response to allegations surrounding the so-called “Dubai Move” to topple the government.
In a Facebook post, the Marang MP suggested that any attempts to overthrow the government likely involved parties with substantial financial resources, alluding to the government’s control over funds and influence.
He claimed that the opposition faces challenges, with party funds frozen, confiscated and supporters encountering restrictions due to perceived threats to the government.
“The government controls money and can influence those who seek projects to generate funds in the easiest way. As for the opposition, our rightful allocations have been blocked, with (party) funds getting frozen and confiscated.
“And those who support the opposition are subjected to restrictions and face difficulties because they are considered a threat to the government.”
Referring to the alleged Dubai Move, initially disclosed by the Community Communications Department (J-Kom) deputy director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop last Saturday (Dec 30), Hadi expressed skepticism about the government’s narrative. He noted PAS’ commitment to respecting changes in government through democratic processes and respecting constitutional monarchy.
Meanwhile on Tuesday (Jan 2), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had confirmed the Dubai Move, asserting involvement from both PN leaders and individuals within the government bloc.
However, PN leaders have denied the plot with conflicting statements emerging from within the coalition despite Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirming it.
Sanusi claimed that the gathering took place in Kuala Lumpur, not Dubai, humorously labeling it the “Chow Kit Move”. Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal downplayed Sanusi’s comments, asserting that they were merely in jest.
Furthermore, Hadi highlighted PAS’s withdrawal from street demonstrations and reliance on public donations in pursuing political objectives. He recounted his role in initiating the move to oust the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government in 2022, citing disagreements over the ratification of the Rome Statute and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).
The PAS leader also claimed that after approaching Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, an agreement was reached, leading to Bersatu’s exit from PH, Muhyiddin’s appointment as the new prime minister and the formation of the PN government.
He also pointed out that the existence of the PN government was constitutional and not through any backdoor manoeuvres.
“As a result of the agreement, Muhyiddin made a move which was to announce (Bersatu’s) exit from PH. I proposed the Bersatu president as the new prime minister candidate. UMNO at the time also agreed until a PN government was formed to replace the PH administration.
“The existence of the PN government is not through a hole in the roof or the backdoor… because Muhyiddin’s appointment was decreed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.” – Jan 5, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama
